Administration authorizes flights from overseas with imports.
The president’s administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to increase the production of baby formula. The White House reported the launch as well of a program that would use commercial aircraft to pick up formula from overseas that meets U.S. standards.
Under the Defense Authorization Act, established as a national security mobilization law during the Korean War, the president is requiring suppliers to prioritize giving resources to U.S. formula manufacturers. A new program called Operation Baby Formula would also direct the Defense Department to use its contracts with commercial air cargo lines to pick up formula from other manufacturers outside the U.S. that meet American safety standards set by the Food and Drug Administration.
The White House stated, “Bypassing regular air freighting routes will speed up the importation and distribution of formula and serve as an immediate support as manufacturers continue to ramp up production.”
Under a consent decree, formula manufacturer Abbot has agreed to address conditions at its plant in Sturgis, Michigan, that led to the FDA shuttering the plant in February. The plant is expected to begin production again in two weeks. However, the company said that it will take six to eight weeks from the start of production for the formula to arrive on store shelves.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for the president and his administration as they address the baby formula shortage.
- For government officials to be discerning as they import formula from other countries.
- For parents and health care professionals as they seek alternatives until the baby formula becomes available.
Sources: Wall Street Journal, CNBC
